1. Introduction New Zealand Head of State Campaign Policy Statement 1.1 New Zealand Republic (Incorporated) is campaigning for a New Zealand republic with a New Zealander as Head of State. We aim to: (a) Campaign for and win referenda establishing a New Zealand republic (b) Involve all New Zealanders in the debate (c) Provide voters with relevant and reliable information and (d) Focus on principles not personalities. 2. Our framework for reform 2.1 This section summarises our framework for a New Zealand republic. 2.2 Public Choice (a) New Zealanders choose whether the country has its own Head of State using the referendum process outlined in Section 3 and; (b) If they so choose, New Zealand becomes a parliamentary republic with an independent, non-executive Head of State replacing the Governor-General and Monarch. 2.3 Appointment and dismissal of our Head of State (a) New Zealand voters choose whether our Head of State is elected by voters or by a super-majority of Parliament. (b) Irrespective of that choice, there is a fair and effective method for public nominations for the office of Head of State and; (c) Our Head of State can only be dismissed by a super-majority of Parliament. 2.4 Powers of our Head of State (a) Our Head of State has the same functions and powers (exercisable in accordance with current constitutional conventions) as the Monarch and Governor-General have presently and; (b) The Head of State Commission as described in Section 3 considers whether these functions, powers, and conventions are codified and, if so, in what form. 1
2.5 Continuous obligations and consequential changes (a) Our principal focus is campaigning for an independent republic with a New Zealand head of state, as set out in this policy document. (b) We therefore support: Other consequential changes necessary to becoming an independent republic and to adopting a New Zealand head of state; and The continuity of other obligations and arrangements during the transition process. (c) We also, in principle, endorse related or consequential changes consistent with a contemporary independent state and a New Zealand head of state Whether implemented before or after the adoption of a NZ head of state; When decided through fair and democratic processes and; (d) The continuous obligations and consequential changes are therefore generally as follows: 2
Obligation or arrangement Status on transition to a NZ head of state Expected process for change Head of State s power and functions Continue, in substance, unchanged; updated only for new identity of head of state consider codification - as per 2.3 and 3.5(f). The Treaty of Waitangi Membership of Commonwealth Other Crown legal obligations Continues unchanged, as a matter of law Continues unchanged Continue unchanged consider whether also recognised in transition legislation consider how continuity to be recognised in transition legislation (whether deemed and/or specifically addressed) Symbols & monikers based on Monarchy / Crown. Oaths / Affirmations Coat of Arms Currency Queen s Birthday Royal Patronage Royal Honours Aspects of national identity not directly based on monarchy / crown, e.g. New Zealand Flag Non-Royal Honours Place names National anthem Either updated on transition OR Continue unchanged and any updating left for other processes. Continue unchanged and any updating left for other processes. consider what changes need to be provided for in transition legislation and how changes to be made (whether deemed and/or specifically addressed). Other matters left for other fair and democratic processes, if and when any change is pursued. Other fair and democratic processes, if and when any change is pursued. 3
3 The referendum process we propose 3.1 We support a democratic process in order to ensure the informed consent of New Zealanders. 3.2 The proposed democratic process involves the following five stages: I. Initial blueprint Development by a Head of State Commission of two alternative models for a republic, one involving election of the Head of State by voters and the other parliamentary election of the Head of State. II. Indicative referendum To determine support for a republic and the alternative models. III. IV. Detailed blue-print Development by the Head of State Commission of draft legislation based on model favoured in indicative referendum. Adoption of legislation by Parliament. Binding referendum A single question referendum on whether we become a republic (based on the legislation), or continue with our present constitutional arrangements. V. Transformation to a republic Election of the new Head of State and declaration of a republic. The Head of State Commission 3.3 The Commission is comprised of at least five people with relevant expertise and is appointed with cross-party parliamentary agreement. 3.4 The Commission develops initial and detailed blue-prints for a republic: (a) For the initial blue-print, the Commission will develop the two alternative models described above, outlining the key legislative changes required by each and; b) For the detailed blue-print, the Commission will draft legislation consistent with the initial blueprint, and the outcome of the indicative referendum, for adoption by Parliament. 3.5 The matters the Commission addresses include: (a) The alternative methods of their election, including: (i) The process for election by voters (ii) The nature of any super-majority for parliamentary election (b) A fair and effective method for public nominations for both election methods (c) Their term of office 4
(d) Their title (e) The super-majority of Parliament required for their dismissal (f) Whether their functions and power and applicable constitutional conventions are codified (and, if so, in what form) (g) The form and description of the nation-state that is to succeed our present realm (h) Options for the present realm if New Zealand leaves it, including arrangements for the territories of Tokelau and the Ross Dependency and the self-governing states of the Cook Islands and Niue, and (i) The detailed timing of the transformation into a republic. 3.6 The Commission will also recommend a democratic process for the future review of the office, functions and powers of the Head of State. This process must be open and transparent in order that the New Zealand people themselves determine any future changes to the office of the Head of State. 3.7 The Commission adopts an open and transparent process, including: (a) Taking into account the views of the New Zealand people by consulting widely and allowing the public to make submissions and (b) Publishing its findings, along with supporting explanation. Indicative and binding referenda 3.8 The indicative referendum asks two questions: Should a binding referendum be held on whether to establish a New Zealand republic? Regardless of how you answered the first question, do you believe the Head of State of a New Zealand republic should be elected by voters or by Parliament? If at least 50% of votes cast are in favour of the first question, a binding referendum must be held. 3.9 A binding second referendum asks whether to retain the status quo or whether New Zealand becomes a republic based on the model supported in the second part of the indicative referendum, that is: Should New Zealand become a parliamentary republic, with the Sovereign and Governor-General replaced by a non-executive head of state elected by a supermajority of parliament/the voting public for a term of [term length]? Transition to a republic 3.10 If voters support New Zealand becoming a republic in the binding second referendum, a new Head of State is to be elected as soon as practicable. 3.11 A declaration of the new republic is to be made and the new Head of State 5
Timing sworn in. The British monarch, or their representative, is invited to attend. 3.12 The following timing is recommended to the Head of State Commission: (a) Initial blue-print: Commission to be constituted within six months and to report within 18 months. (b) Detailed blue-print: Commission to report within 12 months of the indicative referendum and Parliament to adopt and pass the draft legislation within three to nine months of the Commission s report. (c) Binding referendum: To be held at the next general election at least 6 months after the draft legislation is passed. (d) Transition to a republic: On a date or event identified by the Commission not later than 18 months after the outcome of the binding referendum. New Zealand Republic s endorsement of this process 3.13 New Zealand Republic Inc. will monitor the different stages of the process to ensure it is undertaken in good faith, allowing the people of New Zealand to make an informed choice on the transformation to a republic. If we decide, at our discretion, that this is not being allowed, we may withdraw our endorsement of the process. 6